* * * ADVISORY * * *

* * * FRIDAY * * *

Chairman Murphy To Examine Concussions in Youth Sports

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Contact: Murphy Press, 202.225.2301

(Washington, DC) - The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, chaired by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA), will convene a hearing on May 13 at 9:30 am in room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building entitled “Concussions in Youth Sports: Evaluating Prevention and Research.” 

The hearing represents Murphy’s latest effort to raise the public’s awareness and to gain a better understanding of the still many unknown issues related to concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In March, Murphy, brought over a dozen of the nation's foremost subject matter experts to participate in a roundtable discussion which marked the first time that Congress comprehensively examined the science relating to concussions and TBI.

Participating in Friday’s hearing will be Karen Zegel to testify as a witness in front of committee. President of the Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation, Karen lost her son Patrick to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head. 

"We are hoping to share our tragic experience with CTE with Congress in order to bring awareness to the fact that millions of children are in jeopardy each year from playing collision sports," said Ms. Zegel. "And also the fact that millions of families are already struggling with the disease and are unaware, families and parents need this information." 

Nicknamed “The Horse,” the famed Elizabeth Forward High School running back played football from the moment he could pick up a ball. However, his enthusiasm and tenacity for the game he loved led to the compilation of a series of injuries that resulted in his life being cut short. Examinations of Risha’s brain tissue by both the University of Pittsburgh and Boston University following his death revealed CTE.

“This isn’t about eliminating youth sports,” said Murphy. “This is about a smarter way for kids to stay in the game while protecting them from developing brain disease. Eliminating repetitive brain trauma is our focus.”

WHAT:   Concussion in Youth Sports Hearing

WHEN:   Friday, May 13, 2016

LOCATION:     Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing Room
                         2123 Rayburn House Office Building
                         Washington, D.C. 20515

WHO:    Congressman Tim Murphy (R-PA)

              Panel 1 Witnesses:
              Kelli Jantz, R.N., mother of Jake Snakenberg and Concussion Advocate
              Karen Zegel, mother of Patrick Risha and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) advocate
 

               Panel 2 Witnesses:
               Eugene F. (Buddy) Teevens III, Head Football Coach, Dartmouth
               Andrew Gregory, MD, Member of Medical Advisory Committee, USA Football; Pediatric
               Sports Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
               Kevin Margarucci, Manager, Player Safety, USA Hockey
               Steve Stenersen, President and CEO, US Lacrosse
               Terry O’Neil,Founder, Practice Like Pros           

CONTACT: Christian Healy, 202.225.2301, Christian.Healy@mail.house.gov

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